While I’m away visiting family I thought I’d have a guest post. Melanie Bowen contacted me and wanted to wanted to share with you some great information. She is the author of The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog, an advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives.

The following is Melanie’s research on how exercise during your cancer treatment can have multiple benefits. I think everyone has a family member (or two) that has been affected by cancer. I’m definitely an advocate of exercise in all stages of life, and I love the benefits Melanie has found supporting exercise during cancer treatments.

Include Exercise in Your Cancer Treatment Regimen

Cancer treatment usually involves exercise and physical fitness. Experts have shown that people who exercise can have more energy and a greater sense of self-worth. Exercise has been known to improve a cancer patient’s survival and recovery. In fact, studies have shown that walking an hour each week can increase the likelihood that the patient will recover from cancer.

Benefits of Cancer and Physical Fitness When breast cancer or mesothelioma patients for example, are in the midst of chemotherapy and radiation, the often feel weak, fatigued, and develop anemia. These symptoms can prevent patients from exercising as much, but some exercise is recommended to replenish and maintain red blood cells. However, patients should not exercise too much. According to the American Cancer Society, many patients may faint because oxygen levels are lower due to the reduction in red blood cells so it is important to be careful.

Even with anemia, exercise regimens can still be incorporated into treatment, but they do not have to be as intensive. Walking is enough to keep the blood moving through the body and energy levels up. Yoga and stretching are also recommended to keep energy levels up.

Exercise can also increase bone density. During chemotherapy, bone density is likely to decrease and may, later, develop into osteoporosis. Exercise prevents this decrease from occurring. Weight-bearing exercise will decrease bone density loss by as much as 6 percent.

Exercise is recommended for people who have undergone treatments for cancer. It helps to rebuild muscle after a loss due to being sedentary. For instance, a woman recovering from a mastectomy may improve flexibility and range of motion because participating in physical activity such as yoga.

Types of Recommended Physical Fitness

Walking is a very common fitness choice. According to the American Medical Association, this aerobic exercise does not over-strain the body if the patient walks for three to five hours every week at a pace of two to three miles per hour. Yoga is another recommended form of exercise. This exercise may increase shoulder flexibility, cardiovascular health, and improved body image. Some fatigue may still occur, but as long as your exercise program is monitored your doctor, exercise can be beneficial.

Engage in Physical Fitness For the best recovery from cancer treatment, exercise is necessary. Consider engaging in a regular exercise program to improve your exercise regimen. You can engage in physical fitness and improve your prognosis by following simple tips to help with cancer and physical fitness.

Thank you Melanie!

Reader Questions:

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About Sugar Plum Runner

Welcome to the Sugar Plum Runner! I grew up in WA state, but currently reside in UT with my husband Josh, son Jackson, and 2 daughters Lily and Claire.
I love running, but I have never been so inspired to run, race, and blog about it since 4 years ago after I had Jackson. I grew up playing soccer and cheered in high school. My favorite part of both sports(and yes I consider cheer leading a sport) was the conditioning. I found myself running after practice was over on my own. That's when I realized that running may be the sport I really loved.